Microsoft Excel, a program for creating spreadsheets, has been turned into a game platform by a programming student who just learned to use Visual Basic for Applications.

Apparently, the student's love for the game “XCOM” pushed him to make his final project a Microsoft Excel version titled “EXLCOM.”

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Engadget reports that the student, a Reddit user named Crruzi, made an Excel version of the game complete with the original game's battle tactics, character stats, specialist classes, area-of-effect explosives and destructible terrain.

As a bonus, a simple level editor is even included in the package.

Polygon reports that the game is set between “XCOM: Enemy Within” and “XCOM 2” which is expected to be released by game developer Firaxis Games early in 2016.

Although the idea seems pretty amazing, those eager to see the game should not expect amazing visuals. Of course, as the game is rendered in spreadsheet heaven, the faces of characters won't be beautiful.

In fact, the game is a simple top-down version of the original, and everything that's on the map such as playable characters, enemy aliens and terrain are all represented by colored squares.

This game has received various positive reviews. It's surprising to know that Crruzi only learned to code just a few months ago, but now he has turned Microsoft Excel into a possible gaming platform.

Crruzi admits that the game could possess some bugs, and might be horribly unbalanced. He added that the strategic component isn't there yet, as in-game characters' stats are generated randomly.

For those interested to trying out Crruzi's game, it is available for download here.

“EXLCOM” is still being developed, and might have some troubles. Check out the Reddit thread to check for fixes.

TagsMicrosoft Excel, Microsoft Excel Game, EXLCOM, xcom, Cruzzi Microsoft Excel Game, XCOM 2, XCOM: Enemy Within